On the afternoon of Tuesday, October 17, a juvenile humpback whale was seen off the coast of Ubatuba, São Paulo, as recorded by drone footage taken by a local resident. The whale has been under observation since Saturday, October 14, and it has shown signs of being debilitated. Currently, it is swimming slowly in shallow coastal waters and displays low reactivity and reduced ability to evade potential threats, prompting officials to monitor the situation closely.

The Argonauta Institute, which is overseeing the whale's situation, has expressed the need for ongoing surveillance and technical evaluation of the animal's condition. They have urged the public to refrain from approaching the whale, as this conduct is prohibited under current environmental legislation and poses risks to both the whale and the onlookers. The institute aims to ensure the creature’s well-being while also protecting the interests of marine wildlife and public safety.

The sighting of the humpback whale highlights not only the importance of marine conservation efforts but also the role of community awareness in protecting vulnerable wildlife. The local authorities are advocating for responsible behavior among boaters and the public to ensure the whale can recover and avoid further distress, underlining the delicate balance humans must maintain with nature, especially as more marine animals are seen near populated areas.